Widely-anticipated sequel to Metal Gear Solid, released in November 2001 in Japan and North America, followed by a March 2002 release in Europe. The European version included an extra difficulty level designed to be even tougher than the others available in the initial release. Later received an upgraded special edition entitled Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (separate entry in the database) in December 2002 in Japan, followed by a March 2003 release in North America and Europe.